LIVE music is making a comeback to a town centre pub thanks to a new landlord.
Chris Kavanagh has taken over the helm of The Victoria Arms in Easthampstead Road and there will be live music every weekend.
Together with business partner Robin Flood, the pair are putting together a line-up that aims to celebrate the best of the past and also encourage the talent of tomorrow.
Fridays will be an open mic night hosted by Real and Jake.
“They will help mentor youngsters with their music,” promises Robin, citing things like how to hold the microphone as mistakes rookies make.
Saturdays will see a range of bands from different genres. Opening the slot this weekend will be the Jason Hendrix Experience, followed by Wardour Street for a Mod night on Saturday, October 1 and Vocal Lion – a Bob Marley tribute – on Saturday, October 8.
“We’re very, very excited. People will be coming over from Reading, it’s been really encouraging for us to hear them say they’ll come over,” Robin said.
Building for the future
Chris said that the duo’s plans will put the pub, which had been shut for a while before re-opening last year, back on the map.
“Music attracts a broad church,” he said. “We’re going to build this pub up.”
The pub also shows sports on three screens and is planning to do food in the future.
The pair also pledge to be good neighbours, sound proofing the drums and “we won’t make it too loud”, said Robin.
But above all, it’s about creating a good atmosphere for the pub.
“We’ll get people dancing, we feel this is right for Wokingham,” said Chris.
The pub is looking for new up and coming bands and solo artists and poets to join them.
For more details, come along to the Open Mic night.
The Victoria Arms is in Easthampstead Road, Wokingham
